The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has recognized the work of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department in meeting the challenge to install 100 smoke alarms in one day as part of the SFMO’s “100 for 100” initiative.
Baylie Scott, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s office presented an award Thursday to DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green and Lieutenant Brian Williams at the department’s main station on King Ridge Road. County Mayor Tim Stribling was also on hand for the presentation.
The award states “On behalf of the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office this certificate is awarded to the DeKalb County Fire Department for their participation in the 2015 “100 for 100”. A century of saving lives and property. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.”
Launched in 2015, the “100 for 100” initiative commemorates the SFMO’s 100th anniversary by challenging fire service organizations to install at least 100 free smoke alarms in just one day.
“We are giving out an award for the 100 for 100 campaign in honor of the 100 years of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Every department across the state was challenged to put in 100 smoke alarms in one day and the DeKalb County Fire Department did that,” Scott told WJLE.
” The “100 for 100″ initiative started in response to Tennessee having an abnormally high fire mortality rate. Since then we have lowered the fire mortality rate 28% and we have installed a little over 130,000 smoke alarms statewide. We have also saved 154 lives. We have 458 organizations statewide that are participating in the program,” added Scott.
Although a group of DeKalb County volunteer firefighters met the 100 for 100 goal last year by installing 152 smoke alarms in one day, Lieutenant Brian Williams has placed or replaced hundreds of home smoke alarms himself over the last few years across the county, sacrificing his personal time and expense to make sure any home owner or resident who wants one has a working smoke alarm.
“We have to thank Brian for his commitment to this program. He has done the bulk of the work by himself. We’re proud that we have as many households in our county that are protected and we certainly want everyone to know that there is no reason for anyone not to have smoke alarms in their house because they are free. We come and install them for you and all you have to do is call 615-464-7176 or 615-330-4066 and let us know you need a smoke alarm. We will have someone get in touch with you,” said Chief Green.
Anyone in need of a smoke alarm can also utilize the SFMO’s online alarm form to request a free installation at www.TN.gov/fire.
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